Bristol Myers Squibb Celebrates Global Patient Week with Meaningful Toy-Making Workshops

Meaningful Connections Through Creativity

Bristol Myers Squibb recently celebrated the 11th anniversary of its Global Patient Week by engaging employees in heartwarming initiatives aimed at uplifting young patients. In Riyadh and Dubai, the company organized toy-making workshops in collaboration with local patient advocacy groups, ensuring that children battling illnesses such as thalassemia and cancer experience moments of joy and comfort.

The workshops offered employees the chance to create handmade toys, symbolizing hope and resilience for the children undergoing tough medical journeys. These superhero-themed toys, crafted with love, went beyond mere playthings; they represented a supportive community reaching out to those in need.

Aisha Abdulla Al Mulla, Director of the Friends of Cancer Patients Organization in the UAE, emphasized the significance of such initiatives. She noted that they provide much-needed joy and remind children facing cancer that they are not alone in their struggles. The collaborations are rooted in social responsibility, fostering a community-centered bond that supports these brave young warriors.

Khaled D. Aldubaiyan, Executive Director of the Sheryan Society in Saudi Arabia, echoed similar sentiments about the struggles faced by children with thalassemia. He spoke to the importance of joy and companionship during trying times, aligning their mission with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to promote health awareness and support patients through various initiatives.

Throughout the workshops, Bristol Myers Squibb employees managed to produce over 80 unique, handcrafted toys. This engaging hands-on activity allowed employees to firsthand witness the impact they could have in transforming lives through simple acts of kindness.

Osama Braiwish, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, reflected on the significance of Global Patient Week, which serves to remind employees of the core mission: to center their work around the patients who inspire every discovery and treatment. These toy-making workshops are just one example of how the company is committed to patients beyond traditional medicine, emphasizing care and compassion.

The week also featured the fifth annual 'Help Save a Life' blood donation campaign, reinforcing the importance of blood donations for individuals with hereditary blood disorders. In partnership with the Emirates Thalassemia Society and Dubai Science Park, the initiative coincided with Blood Cancer Awareness Month, shining a light on the critical need for blood donations and the company's enduring commitment to advancing patient well-being.

At Bristol Myers Squibb, the overarching goal is to serve patients through innovative science and compassionate care. Each year, the activities carried out during Global Patient Week underline this commitment, ensuring that patients remain at the heart of their operations. With an eye on transforming lives, Bristol Myers Squibb endeavors to build a healthier future for all individuals grappling with serious health challenges.

By creatively engaging in such initiatives, employees are put in direct contact with the purpose behind their work, creating lasting memories and encouraging every individual to feel valued and supported through their journey. This is the essence of Bristol Myers Squibb's mission: to transform lives through science, with a patient-first approach at every turn.